<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Calibri Light";
panose-1:2 15 3 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:8.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:105%;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
h1
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
margin-top:12.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
line-height:105%;
page-break-after:avoid;
font-size:16.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2F5496;
font-weight:normal;}
h2
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2 Char";
margin-top:2.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
line-height:105%;
page-break-after:avoid;
font-size:13.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2F5496;
font-weight:normal;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#954F72;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2F5496;}
span.Heading2Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 2 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2";
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2F5496;}
p.msonormal0, li.msonormal0, div.msonormal0
{mso-style-name:msonormal;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.EmailStyle20
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><h1 align=center style='text-align:center;text-indent:.5in'>National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota<o:p></o:p></h1><h2 align=center style='text-align:center'>Jesse Shirek, Treasurer and Sherry Shirek, Secretary<br>Co-Chairpersons Events Committee<br>Access to Technology and Resources Fair and Convention<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In recent years, I have been on a life journey with my wife Sherry to find a place in our lives that fits with our personal values, fulfills our passion for life, and that motivates us to reach our highest potential in a nurturing, supportive environment. We have made some pretty major changes in order to continue on our path. Sherry has been driven by the open arms of the arts community to join her on a mission to create programs and provide accommodations for people of all abilities to access art exhibits, theater and cultural events. Through her work, she has had the opportunity to form close friendships and make connections with like-minded people in the community. She found her place in both North Dakota and Minnesota where her experience, knowledge and expertise is valued by her colleagues in the arts community. I have found my place in the community as an Assistive Technology Instructor, working as a consultant in North Dakota and Eastern Minnesota. Recently , I have been given the opportunity through grant funding, to do something I never thought I could, because my vision is so limited. I am a self-taught graphic designer and website developer. This work is fulfilling my passion and hunger for knowledge, where there is always something new to learn. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last March I was sent to the National Federation of the Blind National Center at the Jernigan Institute in Baltimore. The purpose of my visit was to learn about the NFB philosophy, branding, communications and marketing. This 2-day seminar really blew me away! I was pleased at the organized sessions and professionalism. The one thing that really stuck with me is the philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind and the direction our organization is moveing. “Live the life you want” “Love, hope and determination” The NFB and the federation family is a place where we feel accepted for who we are, valued for our skills and abilities, and nurtured so we can reach our highest potential and help others do the same. Our mind set is one that blindness does not stop us from living the life we want. We believe that all blind people deserve the chance to reach their highest potential and have opportunities to be taught the skills and given the tools to do so. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This week I am headed back to Baltimore to learn about the Droupal platform, which is widely used by federation affiliates including North Dakota. I am looking forward to returning to the National Center to learn all that I can while there, meet more like-minded people and bring information back home. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Sherry and I are enthusiastic about growing the National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota. We have been given support from our neighbors in Minneapolis and nationally. We encourage, support and will help all of you on your journey to independence if you choose. We will spread love, hope and determination in our everyday lives and live with passion and enthusiasm. We are here to guide you to the life that you want to live by leading you to the resources that have the tools for you to take one step at a time. We all started somewhere and moved forward at our own pace. You too can move forward one step at a time. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On September 15<sup>th</sup> and 16<sup>th</sup> we invite you to join the National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota for our Access to Technology and resource Fair and Convention! The festivities will take place at the Ramada Inn (formally Baymont Inn) 3333 13<sup>th</sup> Ave S in Fargo. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Together with our federation family you can visit with vendors, attend workshops and breakout sessions, connect with other blind and low vision individuals of all ages and interests. You can attend the rehabilitation and blindness services panel at 2PM with Superintendent, NDVS SB Paul Olson, ND DVR Fargo Regional Manager Curt Markel, and Executive Director, BLIND Inc. Dan Wenzel. At 9AM our keynote speaker, President of the World Blind Union Dr. Fred Schroder will start us off! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Registration is free and begins at 8AM on the 15<sup>th. </sup>A schedule of workshops and presentations will be available at registration and on the NFBND.org website in the near future. You can pick and choose what interests you the most. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To attend the state convention on the 16<sup>th</sup>, you will be asked during registration to RSVP and pay the $25 for registration and the banquet luncheon. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For any questions, please feel welcome to contact Jesse 701-781-2526 <a href="mailto:jesseshirek@gmail.com">jesseshirek@gmail.com</a>; Sherry 701-781-3055 <a href="mailto:sherrybeth7@gmail.com">sherrybeth7@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We hope to see you along with all blind and low vision people of all ages, families, students, seniors, parents, teachers and all professionals in the field of blindness. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to attend. There is something for everyone to learn. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>